DIY IKEA Curtain Upgrades

IKEA offers affordable and modern curtain options. But the basic styles and limited color/pattern choices may leave you wanting something more unique. With a few easy DIY projects, you can customize your IKEA curtains and turn them into one-of-a-kind window treatments.

Add Length and Volume

IKEA curtain panels tend to be on the shorter side. For a more dramatic, floor-length look:

Sew a contrasting colored fabric strip along the bottom edge. Choose a coordinating or patterned fabric.
Use fabric glue to attach lace trim to the bottom of the curtain panels. This adds length plus a pretty detail.
Hang your curtains from rings on a thicker rod placed higher above the window. The extra gathering adds volume and length.

Pleat and Gather for Texture

Basic IKEA curtain panels hang straight and flat. Break up the flat surface by:

Making small, evenly spaced pleats by hand and using fabric glue to hold the pleats in place.
Sewing or gluing on twisted fabric ties at intervals to gather the curtains.
Adding interlining or a lightweight fabric between the curtain and lining to create more volume. The added fabric bulk makes the curtains drape beautifully.

No-Sew Hanging Options

IKEA curtains come with very basic hanging options. Upgrade how you hang your curtains without sewing skills:

Hang panels from clip rings for a smooth, continuous look.
Suspend panels from decorative pole cups. Use ones that match your curtain rod style.
Hang panels from stylish tassel tiebacks attached with adhesive velcro strips or safety pins.

Add Trims

Trims effortlessly take IKEA curtains from basic to beautiful:

Use iron-on hem tape to attach lace, ruffles, or other trims to curtain edges.
Adhere pom pom fringe trim for a playful accent.
Affix colorful ribbon along the top edge and/or bottom with fabric glue.
Apply iron-on vinyl strips to create a faux layered look.

Get Creative with Hardware

Switch out the standard IKEA metal grommets and hooks for:

Wooden rings or dowels threaded through the top of the panels.
Clip curtain rings in a complimentary metal finish.
Unique drawer pulls installed as holdbacks.

Rethink your IKEA curtains by adding your own personal touches. With a small investment of time and creativity, you can have custom window treatments on a budget.

Conclusion

Basic IKEA curtains can be endlessly customized to suit your unique home and style. With clever hacks like adding length and texture, upgrading hanging options, and incorporating trims and creative hardware, you can transform affordable IKEA curtains into designer-looking window treatments.

FAQs about IKEA Curtain Hacks

How do you make Ikea curtains look luxurious?

With the help of some pleating hooks, you can easily add pinch pleats to IKEA curtains for a tailored look. This curtain hack works with any IKEA curtain that comes with pleating tape attached on to the back. Nearly all of IKEA’s curtains have this so there’s plenty to choose from.

Can you customize curtains in IKEA?

Our sewing experts can turn our textiles into beautiful curtains for you. They can also alter curtains in our range to fit your home or workplace perfectly. All you have to do is to pick the fabric or curtains and place the order at the Textiles department.

Can IKEA curtains be cut to size?

Some panel curtains, like the ones from our FÖNSTERVIVA series, can simply be cut to the right length and don’t need a hemming strip. Not all our panel curtains can be changed. Check the product details.

How do you make a room look expensive with curtains?

Upgrade basic panels by adding thicker, more substantial hardware to your window treatments. The larger your room, and the longer (read: heavier) your curtains, the more over-sized your hardware should be. For a more textured, eye-catching look, opt for pieces with a metallic finish.